Thalita, the Jason DaCosta-conditioned talented four-year-old chestnut filly, made a triumphant return to the winners’ enclosure on July 7, 2024, winning the $1.25-million Midnight Angel Trophy in impressive style.

After a third-place finish in her seasonal debut over 7 furlongs on May 23, Thalita (Soul Warrior – Luminous Trietste) left no doubt in the three-year-old and upward Overnight Allowance contest about her class, taking the lead and holding off Perfect Brew and Press Conference to win by ¾ length. The victory was convincing, with a winning time of 1:20.0 (splits 23.4 x 47.1 x 1:13.0).

Owner Carlton Watson was thrilled with Thalita’s performance, noting that she has continued to improve with each run.

“Her [Thalita] last race, she was coming off almost a year break and I knew she’d be better for this race,” Watson said.

“The final time of 1:20.0 is a very reasonable time for her, and she’s proven herself. She is now in Open Allowance company and we’re excited to see where she goes from here,” Watson further told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

Tevin Foster expertly guided Thalita out of the starting gate, and the filly sprang into action, taking the early lead. But Press Conference, ridden by Raddesh Roman, had other plans, surging to the front as they approached the 5-furlong mark and taking Thalita into the half-mile turn.

Thalita bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And strike she did, challenging Press Conference in the deep stretch and engaging in a thrilling battle. In the end, Thalita’s class and determination paid off, as she edged away from her rival to take the victory in a thrilling finish.